Whether you want to get rid of smartphone addiction or prevent your kid from overusing the iPhone, “Screen Time” can come in very handy in letting you achieve your goal. Moreover, you can enable app limits and downtime in iOS 12 to keep everything in check and stop your child from breaking the rules.

With “App Limits”, you will set daily time limits for app categories like social networking, games, entertainment and more. If you find specific apps being overused, you can also add the time limit for individual apps. The Downtime allows you to create a schedule for time away from the screen and during this period only the apps you allow as well as phone calls will be available.

How to Set Daily Time Limits for App Categories in Screen Time

Note: App limits are automatically reset every day and apply to all the devices synced with the same iCloud account. Plus, you get an alert five minutes before the restriction expires. However, you have the option to override the limitation–if you choose to break the rule.

Step #1. Open Settings app on your iOS device.

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Step #2. Now, tap on Screen Time and select App Limits. (Ensure that Screen Time is Turn ON)

Step #3. Next, tap on Add Limit and then select the category you want to restrict.

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You have multiple options like social networking, games. So, choose the one you think your child uses too much.

Step #4. Next up, tap on Add at the top right corner.

step #5. Now, set the time. Check out the option to Customize Days.

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Tap on it and then adjust the time on specific days as per your need. For instance, you can allow your kid to play games only 1 hour on a regular day but increase it to 2 hours on Sunday.

As mentioned above, there is also an option to enable time limit for specific apps. Take advantage of this feature if you find some apps are unnecessarily consuming your valuable time.

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How to Add Time Limits for Individual Apps in iOS 12

Step #1. Launch the Settings app on your device → Screen Time.

Step #2. Now, tap on the device name and then scroll down to Most Used section.

Step #3. Next, select the app which usage you wish to restrict.

Step #4. Next up, tap on Add Limit and then set the desired limitation.

You can also set the app limit for specific days as per your need by tapping Customize Day.

When the time nears, you will get an alert. And once the usage time comes to an end, Time Limit screen appears. If you want to continue to use the app, tap on “Ignore Limit” and then select how long you want to keep the restriction away.

At any time you want to make changes to the restricted apps or completely remove the limitation, you can do so with ease.

How to Edit or Delete App Limits in Screen Time

Step #1. Open Settings app → Screen Time → App Limits.

Step #2. Now, select the restricted app category or the app which usage you have limited.

Step #3. Next, tap on Edit Apps and then select/deselect the app and then tap on Add at the top right corner.

If you want to remove the limitation for good, tap on Delete Limit and confirm.

Note: Alternatively, you can head over to Settings → Device name → Select the restricted app under Most Used section → tap on the app name under Limits section. Then, edit or delete the limit.

How to Enable Downtime in iOS 12

With Downtime, you can set a schedule during which you don’t want to use your device. During this period, you will be able to access only the apps you have exempted from the restriction.

Step #1. Open Settings app → Screen Time.

Step #2. Now, tap on Downtime.

Step #3.Turn on the switch next to Downtime.

Step #3. Next, set the start and end time depending on your need.

How to Manage Apps for Downtime in Screen Time

Step #1. Open Settings app → Screen Time.

Step #2. Now, tap on Always Allowed.

Step #3. Next, tap on the red button to the left of the app and then tap on Remove under the Allowed Apps section to prevent their usage during Downtime.

Under Choose Apps section, tap on the green “+” button to allow them to be used during Downtime.

Note: Phone app is always available so that you don’t miss important calls.

Now, the restricted apps will be dimmed, and you will see the ⌛ Screen Time icon under them.

If you want to use the restricted app during Downtime, tap on it and then tap on “Ignore Limit.” Next, you have the option to remove the limitation for 15 minutes or for today.

That’s pretty much it!

Wrapping up:

Now that you know how to keep the over usage of apps in check; bring the ways mentioned above into effect based on your requirements. I’m sure they can be immensely helpful in cutting down the unnecessary usage of apps. Have any question? Do let us know that in the comments.

Dhvanesh Adhiya is the founder and editor-in-chief who takes care of audio, visual, and textual contents uploaded on iGeeksBlog.com. He is passionate about wonderful apps that change the way your iPhone interacts in your life.